Funeral Services for Matthew Jeffrey Jaggers, age 12, of Rushville will be Thursday, February 28, 2013 at 10:00 AM at the Gordon-Rushville Middle School Gymnasium.

Visitation will be Wednesday, February 27, 2013 from 5-7:00 PM at Chamberlain-Pier Funeral Home.

Burial will be at the Fairview Cemetery in Rushville, NE.

A memorial has been established for his sister Mikayla’s College Fund and donations may be sent in care of Chamberlain-Pier Funeral Home, PO Box 366 Gordon, NE 69343.

Matthew Jeffrey Jaggers was born May 18, 2000, in Gordon, Nebraska to Jeff and Melissa Jaggers.

Matt possessed a life-long love of learning and his parents’ persuasion started at an early age. His father won the initial ‘battle’ by claiming his first clearly spoken words, “Da-Da”. Each evening, Matt was full of questions for his parents and would not give up until he obtained the answers he was seeking.

Matt was an excellent student in school and was proud to be on the honor roll and to have perfect attendance in 7th grade this year.

Throughout his short time spent with us, Matthew was involved in many activities, including cub scouts, swimming, band, candle-lighter in church, bible school and especially sports. He looked up to his older brother at an early age, as he enjoyed watching Brandon’s baseball and football games. Matt was always ready for a game of “catch” in the yard with his Dad or Mom, his grandparents, and later with his sister Mikayla.

Matt was an avid Nebraska Cornhusker fan and he couldn’t wait to watch his Green Bay Packers on Sunday. One of his cherished moments was to be able to attend the Packers Hall of Fame, viewing the super bowl trophies, pulling some grass from Lambeau Field, and performing the “Lambeau Leap”.

His biggest enjoyment came from playing organized baseball, football and especially basketball, and he grew very close to many of his teammates. Matt was excited to take what he learned, in both school and sports, to help younger kids, and in particular his sister at home.

Matthew always looked forward to spending time hunting, fishing, and camping with his parents and grandparents, he was the deciding vote in choosing the camper his family bought last year, and couldn’t wait for his family’s planned trip to Yellowstone this summer.

Matt looked forward to visiting family in Wisconsin, and especially his cousins Bret, Morgan and Kyle in Sidney, Nebraska. Those kids would wear their parents and grandparents out just watching them in all of their activities.

Matt had many friends in the communities of Gordon and Rushville. There wasn’t a person who he didn’t get along with. He was always smiling; his sense of humor and attitude and kindness towards others was infectious. But Matt’s true best friend was Mikayla, and although like many siblings they had their arguments, they cherished every moment they spent exploring and playing together. Matthew was, and still is, a true inspiration to his little sister.

Matthew Jaggers left this world to watch over us on February 21, 2013, at the young age of 12 years and 9 months.